Ranitidine (By mouth)

Introduction

Ranitidine Hydrochloride (ra-NI-ti-deen hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats and prevents heartburn with acid indigestion. Also treats stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions that cause your stomach to make too much acid (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). This medicine is a histamine H2-blocker.

The effervescent tablet should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue. The Zantac 25 EFFERdose Tablet should be mixed in 1 teaspoonful (or more) of water. The Zantac 150 EFFERdose Tablet should be mixed in 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of water. Do not drink the liquid until the tablet is completely dissolved.

If you are using this medicine to prevent heartburn, take it 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking anything that causes you to have heartburn.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using triazolam (Halcion®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of acute porphyria.

Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have had heartburn for longer than 3 months, if you have trouble swallowing food, if you are vomiting blood, or have blood in your stools. These may be signs of a more serious stomach condition.

Heartburn pain that causes you to sweat, become lightheaded or dizzy, or have chest pain spreading to your arms or shoulders may be an indication of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms.

EFFERdose® tablets contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.